How to Check Your Immigration Case Status Online

Where to check

USCIS provides an official case status tool where you can enter your receipt number (found on your notice of action) to see your case's current status. The State Department's Consular Electronic Application Center serves a similar function for visa applications processed abroad.

What your receipt number tells you

Your 13-character receipt number identifies your specific case and service center. Keep it somewhere safe — you'll need it for status checks, attorney reviews, and any follow-up correspondence.

Common status messages, explained

"Case Was Received" means it's in the queue. "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed" means an officer is working on it. "Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent" means you need to respond by a deadline — don't ignore this one. "Case Was Approved" or "Case Was Denied" are self-explanatory but each triggers different next steps.

Processing time tools

USCIS also publishes current processing time ranges by form type and office, which can help you gauge whether your case is running on the typical timeline or worth following up on.

When to reach out for help

If your case has been pending well beyond the published processing time, or you've received a Request for Evidence you're unsure how to answer, that's a good moment to get a professional read on what's happening.